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Learn more about space with Tähtitiistai lectures

The speakers talked about the history of Finnish space research, the secrets of black holes, quasars, Earth-sized telescopes and solar research. Watch the recordings now and find out more about upcoming events at Marsio.
A person is presenting to an audience with a large screen showing a wave diagram and a rainbow.
In his lecture, Metsähovi's director Joni Tammi talked about Metsähovi's history. Photo: Aalto University/Joonas Lehtovaara.

Finland's only astronomical radio observatory, Metsähovi Radio Observatory, turned 50 this year. To celebrate the anniversary, we organised a three-part Tähtitiistai lecture series to bring astronomy close to everyone's everyday life. In the lecture series, former and current people of Metsähovi talked about the history of Finnish space research, quasars, solar research and the secrets of black holes, among other things. The lectures were held in the cinema of the new Marsio building. You can find the recordings of the lectures at the end of this news item.

Topics and speakers

Tähtitiistai: 50 years with the frequency of the Universe

  • Antennas towards space – the first fifty years of Metsähovi Radio Observatory
    Joni Tammi, Director, Metsähovi Radio Observatory, Aalto University (in Finnish)
  • How to make friends, success and influence in the world of science? Metsähovi 1980 – 2000
    Esko Valtaoja, Professor Emeritus, University of Turku (in Finnish)

Tähtitiistai: The Invisible Universe

  • Half a century of quasars
    Merja Tornikoski, Senior Researcher, Metsähovi Radio Observatory, Aalto University (in Finnish)
  • OUR STAR – What 50 years of observing the sun tell us about ourselves, our environment and our future
    Derek McKay, Research Engineer, Metsähovi Radio Observatory, Aalto University (in English)

Tähtitiistai: At the Edge of Black Holes

  • Earth-sized telescope and restless black holes
    Tuomas Savolainen, Senior Researcher, Metsähovi Radio Observatory &; Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, Aalto University (in Finnish)
  • Cosmic particle accelerators
    Talvikki Hovatta, Academy Research Fellow, Finnish Centre for ESO (in Finnish)

Events at Marsio

You can watch live streamings and recordings from Marsio events in Aalto Univeristy's Youtube channel.

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For Aalto community Other

Community event 23 September 2026: Come meet our board

Aaltonian, welcome to discuss our common future with the Aalto University Board!
Hands stretching translucent sheet on red background with text about designers in materials research
Lectures and seminars

Designers in Materials Research – From CHEMARTS to Biodesign

How does design shape the future of bio-based materials? Join us to hear experiences, practical insights and ideas for the future.
Event poster for “The Convergence of AI & Quantum Technologies” on 30 Sept 2026 in Espoo and online
Lectures and seminars

The Convergence of AI and Quantum Technologies

This panel discussion will explore how the two burgeoning fields of quantum technology and AI are beginning to converge and examine their potential impact on Finland’s long-term competitiveness.
Underwater scene with fish in goggles, sea goddess, glowing treasure chest and text ‘Meren uudet aarteet’.
Campus

School classes - New treasures of the sea 2.10. - Science Theatre

Aalto University Junior Science Theatre events, intended for 9-12-year-old students, will continue on the Aalto University campus in cooperation with the City of Espoo (in Finnish only). In this event you can learn more how can shipwreck turn into textile fibre and a dress and what possibilities lie in seaweed.
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